Good evening researchers, I'm back again, and still researching this mystery. Which remains unsolved. There was some excellent discussion back in 2016 & I really appreciate the efforts of all users. To refresh my story, I'm writing about Annie Maria KIRBY. She was first identified in my family tree as the wife to my G G Grandfather, John SHERDEN b.1866 in Newcastle, NSW. She is identified on the birth certificates of, William John SHERDEN (b.1889 (11991/1889)) & then Alice Morris SHERDEN (b. 1890 (25572/1890)). Alice passed away in 1891, so there's another mention of her then (616/1891). On the BC of Wm. SHERDEN, there is listed marriage of, 29/07/1887 in Sydney (aged 19 YO, born in Sydney) & the BC of Alice SHERDEN lists the marriage of, 27/07/1886 in Sydney (aged 21 YO, born in Sydney).
There was no further mention of Annia Maria KIRBY, until John SHERDEN, remarries in 1897 (1272/1987), where he lists his conjugal status as widower.
Possible updates (I'm keen for your thoughts ?)
- I have located an Annia Maria KIRBY marrying a William Henry READ in 19 Jul. 1886 (1239/1886). I have located the Sydney, Anglican Parish Register record, which lists her birth as NSW, her father as Edward KIRBY and mother as Mary Ann ROBINSON and her age as 21 years of age (I have not been able to locate Edward and Mary's marriage certificate, or any further details involving Edward and Mary.
- I have located a number of criminal records, which may assist with Annie Maria KIRBY, firstly a Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Book record, which lists a Annie KIRBY (ALIAS READ) with an offence listed of, Prostitute & Riotous on the 26 October 1885. Which appears to have been 'disposed of 10 November 1885.
- I then locate a NSW Police Gazette record, dated 11/08/1886, which lists her wanted, in relation to 'deserting her infant male child, aged 6 months'. She is described as, about 20 YO, red cheeks, fair complexion, light sandy hair, one front tooth deficient, dressed in dark clothes and hat.
- I searched for any records connected to approx. Feb. 1886 (which is about six months before the wanted gazette post) via NSW BDM, I have located a birth registration of a William H Sheridan from the 29/02/1886 (which I have confirmed was a leap year). This child's parent's names are, William & Annie, with a Glebe registration (7595/1886).
- I then located another NSW Police Gazette (which pre-dated their wedding) from the 30/06/1886, where Annie READ, was charged, on warrant, with deserting her infant male child, by Detectives CLOUGH and ROCHLAX. Ordered to be taken to the Benevolent Asylum.
I wonder if this marriage to William Henry READ could be connected ?
Lee